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Campaigners such as Lady Grey-Thompson have expressed concerns that those with mobility challenges may be excluded from the transition to EVs due to EV chargers that lack proper access.

Rising Numbers However Barriers Remain

The quantity of public charging stations across the UK is growing quickly, with around 17,400 installed in the period up to July. Yet, the missing guidelines means motorists with access needs often cannot trust they will be able to access them.

Typical challenges involve raised kerbs, gravelled areas, screens mounted too tall, or charging cords that are weighty.

Policy Moves

Just this week, the Lords voted for an addition to the government’s planning and infrastructure bill that would grant authority to impose inclusive design rules on public EV chargers.

Baroness Grey-Thompson, who secured 11 Paralympic golds across five Paralympic Games, is now a independent member in the upper house. She regularly highlights shortcomings in transport access, such as a recent incident where she was forced to crawl off a train due to lack of assistance.

"Individuals with disabilities have been left out of the picture," she commented. "I've attempted to switch to an electric vehicle a couple of times. It has been really hard going."

Industry and Advocacy Voices

Vicky Edmonds, said, "We're currently risking countless motorists being locked out from the move to electric cars. Close to half of EV drivers are struggling with using public EV stations."

She urged the government to issue new inclusive design rules and to assume necessary authority to mandate that standard.

Research commissioned by the charitable foundation shows the United Kingdom has around 1.35 million drivers with access needs, with 390,000 without access to home charging options.

Guidelines and What's Ahead

Currently, just 2.3% of EV stations comply with the standards set by the BSI. Attempts to render its PAS 1899 guideline more achievable have slowed down.

Lord Borwick, who introduced the measure, stated that installing unsuitable chargers at this time would create long-term issues and leave disabled drivers with few options when new petrol and diesel vehicles are no longer sold from 2035 onward.

"We're going to have a significant quantity of charging points that aren't accessible," he noted. "We must design for inclusive use from the outset."

Nigel Fletcher asserted that EV charger guidelines should be made mandatory. "It is crucial that all providers of public EV charging are taking responsibility for guaranteeing that their facilities is inclusive."

Vicky Read stated, "No drivers should be overlooked in the EV shift, and this encompasses those with disabilities."

Authorities' Reply

A transport department spokesperson commented, "We are dedicated to guaranteeing disabled drivers can conveniently recharge their electric vehicles, which is why we commissioned a review into inclusive design for charging stations."

"The analysis is complete, and its results will be published shortly. We are still collaborating with industry on how we can further strengthen EV station use for disabled drivers."